Over 1.6 Million Calls Made to Tele MANAS: Prataprao Jadhav
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New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Tele MANAS toll-free line, introduced within the framework of the national tele-mental health initiative in India, has received over 15.95 lakh calls as of November 22, according to Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, during a recent statement.
In a written response in the Lok Sabha, Jadhav mentioned that 53 Tele MANAS cells have been established across 36 states/UTs, initiating Tele-mental health services.
This helpline was inaugurated in October 2022, aiming to enhance access to quality mental health counseling and support services throughout the nation.
“As of November 22, 2024, 36 States/UTs have operationalized 53 Tele MANAS cells and commenced Tele mental health services, with the helpline managing over 15,95,000 calls,” Jadhav highlighted.
The government is persistently striving to augment the number of mental health professionals, which is crucial for addressing the nation's mental health challenges, he added.
“Under the tertiary care segment of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), 25 Centres of Excellence have been approved to boost student intake in PG departments specializing in mental health and to offer tertiary-level care facilities,” Jadhav elaborated.
Moreover, 19 government medical colleges/institutions have been assisted to fortify 47 PG departments in mental health specialties.
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) has also been authorized for roll-out in 767 districts.
In an effort to integrate mental health at the primary healthcare level, the government has “elevated over 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs,” the minister stated.
To address the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country, Jadhav reported that the government has established 770 district NCD clinics, 372 district day care centres, 233 cardiac care units, and 6,410 community health centre NCD clinics.
Additionally, 2,047 types of medicines and 300 surgical devices, including cardiovascular, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic medications, have been included in the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
